Rediscovering Edinburgh: A Culinary Exploration Of Dishoom And Haldi

On a recent visit to Edinburgh, I explored the city’s vibrant culinary scene, highlighting two exceptional Indian restaurants: Dishoom and the newly opened Haldi. Dishoom continues to captivate with its authentic Bombay flavors and nostalgic charm, while Haldi offers a fresh take on Indian cuisine with a focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Both establishments are integral to Edinburgh’s rich dining tapestry, each bringing its unique flair to the city’s gastronomic landscape.

 

My recent visit to Edinburgh was both a stroll down memory lane and an opportunity to gain new insights. As someone who appreciates the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, returning to this enchanting place always feels like a homecoming. I have visited Edinburgh several times, but I have never been greeted with a “You’ll have had your tea.” Should this ever be the case, I will be happy to confirm it and maybe even share my last culinary experience in this charming city.

 

This time, my culinary adventures took center stage: I visited Dishoom and a relatively new Indian restaurant, Haldi. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Dishoom is the go-to spot when it comes to satisfying a craving for authentic Bombay flavours. The delightful décor evokes the charm of old Iranian cafés and the menu features the very best of Indian street food with tantalizing names like Kejriwal, Bacon Naan Roll, Big Bombay and more. Dishoom is much more than just a restaurant; it takes you on a journey through countless gastronomic experiences through the ages. Each dish is a nostalgic tribute to India’s culinary heritage, tantalizing the taste buds time and again.

 

The long queues since 8am show that Dishoom has struck a chord with the Scots and has become one of the most popular Indian eateries in Edinburgh. Whether it’s taste, ambience or service, Dishoom has set the bar high for Indian cuisine in the city. If you have not experienced it yet, you are certainly missing out on a culinary gem.

Although Dishoom has a special place in my heart, I wanted to try something new this time. The new Indian restaurant Haldi promises to bring a breath of freshness to the world of Indian cuisine in the city.

 

Haldi (turmeric in Hindi) opened its doors last year. Since then, it has created quite a stir among foodies. The name itself is a nod to the bright yellow spice that has been an integral part of Indian cuisine and culture for centuries. In Ayurveda, turmeric or haldi is revered for its medicinal properties and health benefits. Turmeric has long been an integral part of the average Indian’s daily diet.

 

Located at 38 Mayfield Gardens, Haldi is the brainchild of Madan, who used to work at the Taj in Delhi. Before discovering his passion, he completed his studies in Delhi. Madan started his career in high-class hotels and restaurants in the city, including The Taj. His career took him to places around the globe where he further honed his culinary skills as a versatile chef with a wide range of cuisines. Madan moved to Edinburgh with his family in 2005 and put his skills to the test at several popular Indian restaurants in the city. He always dreamed of having his own restaurant serving the Indian bistro cuisine he was so passionate about. This dream came true last year when he opened Haldi.

 

Haldi is all about serving dishes made from locally produced food in a modern Indian style, while retaining the authentic Indian flavour. The menu at Haldi is a mix of traditional Indian dishes and contemporary culinary trends. The chefs at Haldi have made it their mission to showcase the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine, drawing inspiration from different regions of the country. From the rich, creamy gravies of northern India to the fiery, coconut-infused curries of the south, India’s culinary heritage is celebrated here.

What sets Haldi apart is its focus on sustainability and sourcing local produce. As the farm-to-fork movement gains momentum, Haldi seeks to bring these new philosophies to Indian fine dining in Edinburgh. By working with local farmers and suppliers, Haldi supports the community and the environment.

 

As for the menu, Haldi has indeed created a menu with a refined approach, whether it’s a national dish, starter, main or dessert. You will find dishes such as scallops with a fruity relish, sea bass in a masala sauce and lamb in tomato, chilli, ginger and aniseed.

As a vegetarian, I opted for a delicious selection of poppadoms, bhel bhooni phool gobi (cauliflower steak with a chef’s special sauce and green lentils) with naan, paneer khurchan (Indian cottage cheese with peppers, tomatoes, onions and cumin) and dal double tarka (yellow lentils seasoned twice with garlic, cumin and green chilies). The dishes were exceptionally balanced and a carnival of flavours. It was a happy dining experience that created new memories.

 

Madan’s vision for Haldi is clear and simple: quality Indian bistro food with personalised service at an affordable price. With its innovative approach and commitment to authenticity, Haldi has become a valued addition to Edinburgh’s culinary scene.

Edinburgh, with its rich history and diverse cultural landscape, is the perfect setting for a restaurant like the Haldi – one that is future-ready and honours the past. This restaurant is a `must’ on your itinerary when visiting Edinburgh; a hidden gem.

This article was published in the Daily Guardian September 2024